FYI Network's 'Best in Bridal' featuring Complete Bridal of East Dundee shop to air sneak peek

“Best in Bridal,” a new bridal reality series featuring Complete Bridal of East Dundee, will air a sneak peek at 9 p.m. Sept. 2 on FYI Network.

The series stars shop owner David Gaffke and his all-male staff as they help women select a bridal gown for their big day.

“I’ve been competing with all-female bridal salons for nearly 31 years, and who better to decide what looks best on a woman than a guy?” Gaffke said during filming last spring.

The all-female staff of Shelley’s in West Dundee also will be featured to show the differences in management style and customer base, according to a press release.

The sneak peek will be a one-hour preview of the show, which will air its full season of at least 12 half-hour episodes in October.

Complete Bridal, 12 E. Main St., East Dundee, opened about nine years ago in East Dundee and moved to its current location about four years ago.

Gaffke had an idea for a reality show a few years ago and reached out to the network. It was over a year before he heard back asking whether he still was interested. Crews filmed a pilot episode in June 2013, and shortly afterward, Gaffke learned his show had been picked up.

Filming began during the Bridal Fashion Show and Expo in March hosted by Complete Bridal at Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites in Elgin and continued throughout the spring.

Gaffke said he and his staff were left in the dark about what will be aired.

“A lot goes into the taping and production of a reality show.” Gaffke said. “My staff and I are excited to see how it all comes together.”

Gaffke and staff plan to watch the premier at a private preview party at Blues BBQ and Grill in East Dundee.